“Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marvelled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” Luke 2:8-20
Father God,
You announced the birth of Your Son in fields to shepherds! A heavenly host praising You! An angel who spoke! Terrified shepherds? But you calmed their fear, they checked out the facts, and found the baby and glorified You. Simple working men. Telling everyone they met about angels and a baby. Well you would wouldn’t You, we all like to share good news! I wonder if they heard 30 years later about the Crucifixion and remembered the baby?
How many people since the shepherds have told the story of Jesus birth? How many people have then heard about his death and resurrection and become Christians? It is mind bogglingly wonderful. It is not a story, not a legend, it is history, His story. Knowing Jesus (not just knowing about Him) is a life changing experience. We are not a club, not just like minded people doing the same rituals to please a far off God. Not people trying to be good and get nearer. We are Yours.
We know You personally through Jesus, who died for our sin and rose again. Death had no hold on Him (Acts 2:24). We will rejoice for all eternity. You found us and now shepherd us. You will never leave us, never forsake us, never lie, never stop loving us. Always be our Saviour if we will follow . . . Keep us safe, keep speaking to us and open our ears to hear (John 10:27,28). We bring You our worship, our lives – it’s all we have to give – as an offering.
In Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.
Suggested prayer . . .
Father God,
For all our family, friends and neighbours. For blessings and good health and joy.
For all our church family around the world, and the ones we know and love.
For King Charles, the Queen and their families, our government and their families.
For good men and women to speak out for, and bring, peace in troubled areas.
For Your Spirit to be at work bringing lasting peace in war torn areas.
For all those working at this time to keep society safe and provided for. The emergency services, the police, the Samaritans and the many charities providing essential help and support.
For those who have had difficult or bad news at this time to be held in Your arms of love.
For ourselves, that we would again just enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 26th December 2023
I will offer up my life in spirit and truth
Pouring out the oil of love, as my worship to you
In surrender I must give my every part
Lord, receive this sacrifice of a broken heart
Jesus, what can I give, what can I bring
To so faithful a Friend, to so loving a King?
Savior, what can be said, what can be sung
As a praise of Your name for the things You have done?
Oh, my words could not tell, not even in part
Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart
You deserve my every breath, for You’ve paid the great cost
Giving up your life to death, even death on the cross
You took all my shame away, there defeated my sin
Open up the gates of heaven and have beckoned me in
Jesus, what can I give, what can I bring
To so faithful a Friend, to so loving a King?
Savior, what can be said, what can be sung
As a praise of Your name for the things You have done?
Oh, my words could not tell, not even in part
Of the debt of love that is owed by this thankful heart
What can I give, what can I bring, what can I sing as an offering, Lord?
What can I bring to the King of kings?
Oh, what can I give, what can I bring, what can I sing as an offering, Lord?
Matt Redman,
CD: Matt Redman, Passion for Your name, Kingsway Music.,